Flag Rugby Ball Raid

One team tries to carry as many footballs as possible into the try zone while the other defends by pulling flags. It is a lead-up game to flag rugby that builds running with the ball, dodging, passing backward, and no-contact defense.

How to play

1. Cone off two 80 x 65 ft fields with a 10-ft try zone at the end and a hoop holding four footballs on the start line; form teams of 6 wearing flag belts (3 min).
2. On each field, one team attacks and one defends; defenders start spread out across the middle.
3. On the whistle, each attacker may grab a ball from the hoop and run for the try zone; grounding it there scores 1 point, and the runner jogs back along the sideline.
4. If a flag is pulled, the carrier stops and has 3 seconds to pass backward to a teammate; if they can't, they return to the hoop with the ball and get the flag back.
5. Play 2-minute rounds, switching roles and recording tries after each one (12 min, 6 rounds).
6. At the end, ask which dodging moves worked best against a defender (3 min).

Rules

• No guarding your flags with your hands and no pushing defenders.
• Defenders only pull flags; no grabbing or body blocking.
• Passes after a flag pull always go backward.
• Safety: runners return to the hoop along the sideline to avoid collisions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: defend a fixed 10 x 10 ft zone where touching the ball counts as a stop.
• Hearing impairment: start and end each round by raising a scarf.
• Fitness level: let students who need it sit out a round as the try counter.

Learning goals

• Run with the football while dodging defenders.
• Pass backward after a flag pull.
• Defend by pulling flags without contact.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam football: 8
• flag belts: 24
• cones: 16
• hoops: 2

Teacher tip

Keep fewer balls than attackers so they have to work together. Check that the flags hang free of shirts and shorts.

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